On average, a person experiencing difficulty hearing waits seven years before doing anything about it, according to studies. An ear that hasn’t been stimulated due to untreated hearing loss can actually lose some of its ability to understand speech, according to health experts.

Untreated hearing loss canlead to increased irritability, fatigue and stress, according to studies. People living with untreated hearing loss are more likely to report depression and anxiety and are less likely to participate in organized social activities than those who wear hearing aids.

Experts say if you suspect your hearing sensitivity has dropped, have your hearing tested no matter what your age. The consequences of undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss can include reduced job performance and earning power, reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety and impaired memory. Since hearing loss is usually a gradual process, you may not fully realize how great an impact it is having on your daily life.